Xiaomei Wang , Guohong Sun , Haide Xu , Changyuan Liu , Yanping  Wang

Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mudanjiang Branch, Mudanjiang, 157000, Heilongjiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
Bioscience Methods, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 6   
Received: 02 Sep., 2024    Accepted: 11 Oct., 2024    Published: 03 Nov., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Soybean (Glycine max) is a crucial crop for global food security and agricultural sustainability, with breeding efforts focusing on improving yield and disease resistance. This study explores the role of Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) in accelerating genetic improvement for these traits in soybean. We systematically studythe principles and types of genetic markers used in MAS, including simple sequence repeats (SSRs), single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and quantitative trait loci (QTLs), and highlight recent technological advancements such as high-throughput genotyping platforms and the integration of genomic selection (GS). Two case studies illustrate the practical impact of MAS: one on the development of high-yielding soybean varieties and another on enhancing resistance against soybean cyst nematode (SCN). While MAS has led to substantial gains in yield and resistance, its application is not without challenges, including technical, genetic, and economic constraints. This studyconcludes with a discussion on future perspectives for MAS, emphasizing the integration of emerging technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 and omics approaches. The findings indicate that MAS will continue to play a pivotal role in soybean breeding, with prospects for enhancing both yield and resilience against biotic stresses.

Marker-assisted selection (MAS); Soybean breeding; Yield improvement; Disease resistance; Genetic markers